There’s this ongoing debate about the changing sound of Dancehall and Soca. Some say that our native Caribbean genres are losing their authentic sound because of the fusing with other genres like Techno, Pop and Afrobeat. But what people must realize is that things will evolve and adapt to the changing of times and that goes for music as well. There wouldn’t be such a variety of unique genres if people didn’t experiment, change and tweak an “authentic sound”; that’s how Soca, Dancehall and Reggae were created. So then, fusing these genres with EDM and Pop doesn’t take away the authenticity of them, but creates something different that would resonate with a variety of people. As a result, introducing people from different backgrounds to a little taste of Caribbean music and culture.
One group who has really helped with this fusion is international EDM trio Major Lazer. Major Lazer has been using Caribbean artistes to blend EDM with Soca, Dancehall and Reggae to produce international hits. In a sense, they have been using their global recognition to showcase Caribbean culture even if it’s with a unique twist. Maybe it’s the fact that the group is diversified as it consists of an American (Diplo), a Trinidadian (Jillionaire) and a Jamaican (Walshy Fire). But one still has to give them credit for helping to globalize Caribbean music.
So, as Major Lazer is celebrating 10 years, it is only fair to look back on some of their hits. Specifically, 10 songs that fused Caribbean music with EDM to produce greatness.
1.”Pon De Floor”
This song was released in 2009 when Major Lazer consisted of Diplo and DJ Switch, and it had additional production and mixing from Afrojack. Though its lyrical value is the repetition of two verses sung by Vybz Kartel, the use of the snare drum with the Dancehall vibe makes this song distinct. Even Beyonce had to sample it.
Futhermore, the music video showcased a taste of dancehall culture which wasn’t favourable to some critics like Ted Maider from Consequence of Sound. He did not censor his distaste for the song or the video as he said “This song is already fucking whacked, but the video takes it to a whole other level … ‘Pon de Floor’ seems equally as offensive as watching porn on hallucinogenic substances.” However, though criticism is always welcomed, I take his words more as uncultured ignorance as he may not understand or truly appreciate Dancehall culture which this song and video showcased.
2. “Watch Out For This”
‘Watch Out For This’ featuring Jamaican deejay Busy Signal, has to be one of Major Lazer’s biggest hits from their second full-length studio album “Free the Universe”. Whenever I hear this song I always think of the Pepsi can trick commercial with Lionel Messi, which is just one of the achievements this song holds.
The music video has over 100 million views on YouTube which was filmed in Jamaica and features Caribbean dancers. Here is another example of Major Lazer giving Caribbean artist and dancers a platform for their talent to be exposed internationally.
3. “Lose Yourself”
We may not hear much from RDX these days but there was a time when RDX was the hottest Dancehall group, and listening to this again in 2018, it’s still one of the baddest Major Lazer collabs.
4. “Sound Bang”
Machel Montano is not only renowned for being the King of Soca but he is also known for fusing genres to produce hits. So it’s not surprising that he has a few collaborations with Major Lazer who are masters at doing this.
Two of these collabs making this list are ‘Sound Bang’ and ‘All My Love’
‘Sound Bang’ has one of the best build-ups of any Major Lazer song. When you first hear the sounds of a Ukulele coming through your speaker, you get a mellow tropical vibe. But then the beat drops, you hear “Major Lazer, mash up de place” and you instantly go crazy. You want to jump, shake your head, stomp, wine… everything.
5. “All My Love”
Originally a single for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack, ‘All My Love’ was remixed with Machel Montano to create a unique collaboration for Carnival 2015.
Though this song was a pleasant surprise, no one would have thought they would hear Soca King Machel Montano and Pop star Ariana Grande on the same track. But I guess you can never underestimate the power of music.
6. “Blaze Up the Fire “
‘Blaze Up the Fire’ may not be the most popular Major Lazer song but anything with Chronixx is always a vibe. The smooth tranistion from the pure EDM beat to the elements of Reggae help to create a great track. Moreover, if you are a gamer you might know it from ‘Battlefield Hardline’.
7. “Go Dung”
‘Go Dung’ is the newest one on this list as it was released this year and it’s a nice mixture of Caribbean music.
Although it may not have the vibe of a typical Soca or Dancehall song, the infectious beat will still make you want to “go dung” and do bad. As Kes said, it is the International bruk out skin out anthem.
8. “Get Free”
The groovy undertone of this beat is Reggae and the video was shot in Jamaica.
The whole vibe of this song is quite therapeutic to me. Something about the riddim mixed with the melodic voice of Amber Coffman puts me at peace, which is ironic considering the song’s message.
9. “Light it up”
Fun Fact: The female vocals on this song is Nialah Thorbourne from Brick and Lace. If you don’t know a Brick & Lace song then you didn’t grow up in the Caribbean. Not only was ‘Light it Up’ an international hit but it was Nialah Thorbourne’s “Nyla” first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
10. “Powerful”
Even though this song is more of an Electropop Ballad, the vocals of Reggae singer Taurus Riley and British Pop star Ellie Goulding mesh to make a dynamic duo. It is a different feel from the usual songs produced by Major Lazer but it is arguably one of their biggest hits.
Major Lazer’s fusions of genres created something different and bigger for the past 10 years and our playlists and the evolution of music are grateful.
